cad programs

Big Will

The have other programs that sound like they work well with conventional cad design programs. I do need a stand alone program though. are the other programs mentioned here capable of decent mech drawings. I do forced air also this makes me want both.

Big Will

The time has come

I need to buy a real cad program for making shop drawings over provided plans. What are you guys using. I could buy The auto desk program but the price is giving me hives.

Brad White_203

AutoCAD LT?

I use AutoCAD LT at home and yes, the full AutoCAD in the office. LT (does not stand for "light" but "Lap Top" I was told), has virtually 99% of the features you would ever want. It is, by design, a 2-D program, that is the one limitation that I can see.

Then again, a pencil is also a 2-D program and I still use one with devastating effect, super-human skill, astounding precision and uncommon modesty. :^)>

(The full AutoCAD version seems to be very impressed with itself, doing all sorts of behind the scenes '3-D' acrobatics and expressing itself via use of resources, in an emotionally needy way. IMHO of course

The only issues you may have is in file sharing, whereby if a sub-contractor or engineer is sending you drawings, they have to be "dumbed-down" or "saved backwards" to a version which allows you to open and modify them.

When this is done from the full version, some detail is lost and you may wind up with blank spaces.

Last time I checked, the cost was under $1,000, maybe $800? Make sure it is licensed though and not the academic version.

The academic version is a lot less, has the same features, but you are not permitted under license to make money with it. They have lawyers who practice proctology as a hobby for fun.

Big Will

Proctology ?

Dont think Im interested in that.

Brad White_203

Then...

don't mess with them!

Paul Pollets

Visio

I like Visio, which can read all dwg file types. It costs $300-400.00 for the Pro version.



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Jamie Hall

And I, on the other hand,

Use DesignCAD 3D Max 18; reads all the drawing files, is 3-D, has a lovely built in parameter system if you're into that sort of thing, does everything that AutoCAD will do -- except break the bank. $99.00, last I looked. (www.upperspace.com for info)

I've used it for years, by the way, for everything from a multi-million dollar wastewater treatment plant to (don't laugh) my model railroad!

MIke_Jonas

Why..

is Hydronicad not mentioned? No one uses it? I thought that's where all of Siggys' stuff came from. And the Caleffi drawings, too?

Big Will

I dont know if hydronicad will overlay a planset. I could be wrong. This is what I usualy need it for. So the program has to jive with other cad programs.

EBEBRATT-Ed

I am in the same situation as Will. I will have to check these out. Thanks,
Ed